Auditing
Under ISO principles, auditing typically falls into three categories: first, second, and third party. We help you understand what each means — and apply it practically.
- Audits should be competent and impartial
- Support internal, supply chain, and certification audit readiness
- Practical guidance based on real industry experience
Typical timeline 6–8 weeks to audit-ready from quotation
Overview
The 3 categories of auditing
First and third party audits are requirements of ISO management standards. Second party auditing is optional, but often valuable across the supply chain.
FIRST PARTY AUDITING
Often called internal auditing. A required part of ISO management systems used to evaluate effectiveness, compliance, and readiness for external audits.
SECOND PARTY AUDITING
Often called supply chain auditing. Not required by ISO, but useful for supplier approval, performance evaluation, and confidence in critical suppliers.
THIRD PARTY AUDITING
Certification (external) audits conducted by certification bodies to confirm conformance and grant/maintain certification.
Support
How IPAS UK can help
Whether you want to develop internal capability or outsource audits, we’ll support what’s right for your organisation.
INTERNAL AUDITS DELIVERED FOR YOU
We regularly conduct internal audits on behalf of clients — efficient, compliant assessments that support continued conformity and highlight improvement opportunities.
SUPPLIER & SUPPLY-CHAIN AUDITS
We can carry out and/or advise how to audit critical suppliers and sub-contractors — to protect your supply and meet customer requirements.
Certification cycle
The three-year audit cycle
Certification bodies follow a structured cycle to grant and maintain certification. IPAS UK can support you throughout this process with onsite presence during these audits, as required.
CERTIFICATION AUDIT
An entire system audit to certify or re-certify your business.
SURVEILLANCE AUDIT 1
A sample audit to verify continued conformance to the standard.
SURVEILLANCE AUDIT 2
A sample audit to verify continued conformance to the standard.